Johnny Marr's vegetarian pride

Johnny Marr says one of his proudest achievements is The Smiths' 1985 album 'Meat Is Murder' inspiring many of their fans to go vegetarian

Johnny Marr is "proud" The Smiths inspired people to go vegetarian.

The iconic group's guitarist believes their seminal 1985 LP 'Meat Is Murder' changed the life of many of their fans, and admits it is one of his greatest achievements.

He said: "I am very proud of the fact that 20 years on people tell me they became a vegetarian as a result of 'Meat is Murder'.

"I think that is quite literally rock music changing someone's life - it's certainly changing the life of animals. It is one of the things I am most proud of."

The rocker - who now performs with The Cribs - also believes record label Rough Trade agreeing to the controversial album title was a triumph for the band.

He explained in a new book by author Neil Taylor entitled 'Document and Eyewitness: An Intimate History of Rough Trade': "I think it was quirky to call the album 'Meat is Murder' and it was way ahead of its time, but we were on a label that let us do that kind of thing."